Henderson defends Bellingham amid criticism ahead of World Cup

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has defended Jude Bellingham against recent criticism, describing the 22-year-old as the team's potential 'X-factor' at the World Cup. Speaking at England's training base in Kansas City, Henderson said he finds it 'hard to read' what is written about the Real Madrid star.

One of the biggest talking points before England's opening match against Croatia on Wednesday (21:00 BST) has been whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will start as the number 10 in Thomas Tuchel's system. Bellingham has faced scrutiny for some of his England performances, and has previously claimed he was made a 'scapegoat' in the camp.

Henderson backs Bellingham's impact

Henderson, 35, who gave Bellingham his first England cap six years ago, highlighted the midfielder's growth. 'I can remember six years ago, I gave him his first cap and how much he has grown as a player and person since then is incredible really,' said Henderson. 'I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. What he has done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me sometimes.'

The Brentford midfielder, included in Tuchel's squad for his leadership qualities, has a close relationship with Bellingham. 'I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him,' Henderson said. 'I know a lot gets written in the media, I find it hard to read sometimes really because I just know just how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field.'

Bellingham's role and experience

Henderson emphasized Bellingham's unique qualities: 'What he gives us is just something really special. He really gives us an X-factor in our team. He has had big moments in his career, he is a big game player. He has got experience in tournaments. He is a huge huge player for us in this tournament.'

Despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, Bellingham is one of the most experienced, with 48 caps and set to feature at his third major tournament. Henderson also praised his off-field character: 'If you ask any player in this group they will tell you how much of a good teammate he is, how well he trains. I know he is young but he also helps young players, new players that come in. How he was in the pre-camp with Rio [Ngumoha], Josh King, Alex Scott, Ethan [Nwaneri] - how he is with the players, nobody sees that.'

Bellingham was filmed giving 17-year-old Ngumoha his England legacy cap and made a speech after the Liverpool winger debuted in a 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand. 'They all look up to him and he gave Rio [Ngumoha] his first cap which gives you a little insight to what he is like behind the scenes,' Henderson said. 'I do think that a lot of the media and the stuff that gets written isn't all true to be honest, a lot of it is actually untrue. For us we know what he can do and we all love him inside the camp and I suppose that's the main thing.'